Venezuelan Armed Forces Destroy Illegal Mining Camps in the Amazon
Illegal mining camp destroyed by the FANB, Feb. 8, 2025. X/ @briam_medi
February 9, 2025 Hour: 12:39 pm
These territories are well-known for their vast biodiversity and wealth of natural and mineral resources.
On Sunday, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) of Venezuela destroyed three camps that were being used for illegal mining in the state of Amazonas.
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FANB’s Strategic Operational Commander, Gen. Domingo Hernandez Larez, confirmed that camps were detected and dismantled in two routine military operations.
During a ground patrol, FANB members discovered an illegal mining camp in an area of Yapacana National Park, where they found an inoperative power generator, two carpet mats, two pairs of boots, a mattress, a refrigerator, and other objects and materials, all of which were destroyed.
In another operation, the military dismantled two illegal mining camps, where they found materials such as a six-cylinder engine, 30 meters of carpet, a 100-liter diesel fuel container, four diving suits, and ten meters of high-pressure hose.
These actions are part of “Operation Neblina 2025,” which FANB launched in Amazonas last year “to protect natural areas, national parks and monuments, forest reserves, and biosphere reserves,” according to Hernandez Larez.
The Bolivarian military chief also emphasized that mining and hydrocarbon exploitation are prohibited by law in Amazonas and that national parks and forested areas, which are under special state protection, must be safeguarded by all.
The Venezuelan Amazon encompasses the states of Amazonas, Bolivar, and Delta Amacuro. These territories are known for their vast biodiversity and wealth of natural and mineral resources. Currently, this area is home to approximately 2.3 million people, including the country’s largest Indigenous population.
teleSUR/ JF Source: EFE
